Walter Carroll (4 July 1869[1] – 9 October 1955)[2] was an English composer, music lecturer and author.
Leaving school at the age of 14, he went to work at the Manchester textile firm of J. N Phillips and Co., learning office routine and account keeping.
[5] Joining the choir of St. John Chrysostom Anglican church, Victoria Park in 1886, he studied with the organist there, Frederick Pugh.
[6] In 1888, Carroll (on the advice of Pugh) joined Owens College (later to become part of the Victoria University of Manchester) where he studied advanced music theory with Henry Hiles.
In 1893 (on the recommendation of Charles Hallé who had seen his Two Sonatinas, composed the previous year)[5] he became a lecturer in harmony at the newly formed Royal Manchester College of Music[7] and held chairs at the college of harmony and composition (1904-1920), replacing Henry Hiles on the latter's retirement,[7] and of the art of teaching (1909-1920).
Published by Forsyth Brothers Ltd., these miniatures are still popular, one of them, "Alone at Sunset", was included in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) 2011–2012 Grade 4 examination.
[16] "From the Cliffs", one of the ten pieces in 'Sea Idylls', has been a recurring entry for more than 60 years in Canada's Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 5 piano syllabus; in many of its syllabus issues over the years, any one of the Sea Idylls could be presented in that grade.
"Walter Carroll's place in English teaching music is like that of Norman Rockwell in American painting," says Canadian pianist Arne Sahlen.
"They both were derided for a time as cheaply sentimental, but public regard has risen for their work that expresses quintessential aspects of their countries and cultures."